When comparing HexChat vs AdiIRC, the Slant community recommends HexChat for most people. In the question“What are the best IRC clients for Windows?”HexChat is ranked 1st while AdiIRC is ranked 4th. The most important reason people chose HexChat is:

HexChat is available as a free download with source code licensed under GPL v2 and available on [GitHub](https://github.com/HexChat/hexchat).

Ranked in these QuestionsQuestion Ranking

Pros

Pro

Free and open source

HexChat is available as a free download with source code licensed under GPL v2 and available on GitHub.

Pro

Simple, clear interface

HexChat's default interface is clear, well-organized and intuitive. Channels can be laid out as both tabs and in a tree structure. All components such as user lists, topics bar or even menu bar can be hidden to provide a clean way to interact. Conversely the interface can be configured to show quick access buttons for changing channel flags, sending files or performing operator actions.

Pro

Functionality can be extended with plugins and scripts

HexChat has a great list of plugins and scripts and is compatible with most XChat plugins. XChats library is incredibly extensive. There is a wide range of both useful and fun plugins. It's possible to add an RSS feed, play a game of chess or control an mp3 player via chat while translating everything written to l33t speek.

Pro

Actively developed

Pro

Works for any level of user

HexChat is an advanced IRC client that is good for beginners as well as those users who like to get under the hood. It is easy to get up and running, but has all the advanced features that a power user would need.

Pro

Highly scriptable

HexChat supports scripting in Perl and Python. Both languages can be used to extend functionality of the software - bots can be written, automation can be added, new dialogs can be created.

Pro

Portable

Pro

Highly customizable look

While most clients allow changing the theme or style of a window, HexChat gives complete control over what it looks like. It's possible to set a custom image as the background, changing font, or syntax colors.

Pro

Excellent documentation

Pro

Available in multiple languages

HexChat has either complete or partial translations in over 50 languages.

Pro

The Win10 Store Trial Is actually the full version

The Win10 Store "trial" is actually the full version and is not time limited - the pay version is simply there to give Windows Store users the ability to donate to the project, because the Windows Store doesn't support a donate button

Pro

It has all needed features

It works perfectly with Windows 10, has all the needed functions like:1 - handle all irc:// links.2 - start with windows.3 - start minimized.4 - close to tray icon when pressing X(close button).5 - it can open all the channels in one window or open each channel in new windows (it is up to you).6 - tons of options to pick up from.

Pro

Actively developed

AdiIRC is constantly being developed and improved. It's among the most actively developed IRC clients nowadays, with a great beta team behind it. The changelog shows multiple substantial releases every month.

Pro

Free

It's a free IRC client supported by donations.

Pro

Receptive dev

Feature requests, suggestions and bug reports get prompt feedback.

Pro

mIRC themes support

miRC themes also works well in AdiIRC.

Pro

Lightweight

The client weighs less than 1MB.Low CPU usage. Almost no CPU usage, in fact...

Pro

Non-disruptive installation

Configurations, scripts and snippets are saved within the installation folder, allowing you to easily move them to a different installation. It also means that nothing is changed in your system.

Does not create registry keys.Does not create any other folder than it's own on any other location.Even when the installer is used, you can make it portable by just moving the folder around, don't need to worry about anything else.

Pro

Simple Layout or Complex Layout

You choose, Simple or Complex layout. Check the screenshots section in here.

Pro

Portable

A portable version is also available in the download section. It can be run without installation allowing it to be run off of external devices such as USB sticks.

Con

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